Hydropneumatic massage equipment

ABSTRACT

An air compressor assembled with and driven by an electric motor is mounted upwardly on three legs, each equipped with suction cups, and with respect to electrical energy, being well grounded and located sufficiently away from the immediate bathing locale, to compress, filter, and deliver air into a flexible air guiding conduit equipped with fittings, one being adjustable in conjunction with the air compressor exit to regulate the quantity of compressed air continuing on through the conduit into a unitized molded compressed air distributor placed about the bathing structure interior periphery and on the longitudinal center near the bottom of the bath structure, the distributor being formed with precisely located underwater air ejection orifices, suction cups, and dual compressed air receiving entry connectors, optionally selected to receive one or more compressed air conduit fittings located on one or both sides of the bathing structure.

United States Patent n 1 Rico et al.

[54] HYDROPNEUMA TIC MASSAGE EQUIPMENT [76] Inventors: Edward H. Rico, Rt. 3, Box 2lll, Sumner, Wash. 98390; Joseph H. Jaeger, 18027 72nd West, Edmonds, Wash. 98020 [22] Filed: March 4, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 120,943

[52] US. Cl ..l28/66, 4/180 [51] Int. Cl. ..A6lh 9/00 [58] Field of Search ..l28/66; 4/180, 182

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,240,208 3/1966 Everston 128/66 3,367,325 2/1968 O'Keefe ..l28/66 3,138,153 6/1964 Osborn et a1. ..128/66 3,533,404 10/1970 Labarber ..l28/66 11 3,710,786 51' Jan. 16, 1973 Primary Examiner-Lawrence W. Trapp Att0rneyRoy E. Mattern, Jr.

57 ABSTRACT An air compressor assembled with and driven by an electric motor is mounted upwardly on three legs, each equipped with suction cups, and with respect to electrical energy, being well grounded and located sufficiently away from the immediate bathing locale, to compress, filter, and deliver air into a flexible air guiding conduit equipped with fittings, one being adjustable in conjunction with the air compressor exit to regulate the quantity of compressed air continuing on through the conduit into a unitized molded compressed air distributor placed about the bathing structure interior periphery and on the longitudinal center near the bottom of the bath structure, the distributor being formed with precisely located underwater air ejection orifices, suction cups, and dual compressed air receiving entry connectors, optionally selected to receive one or more compressed air conduit fittings located on one or both sides of the bathing structure.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAH 16 I973 INVENTORS EDWARD H 2160 JOSEZI If. JAEG'EQ ATTORNEY I-IYDROPNEUMATIC MASSAGE EQUIPMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any form of body massage is especially good treatment for common tension and soreness in human muscles. Massage generally dilates blood vessels, increases blood circulation, and expedites removal of carbon dioxide from muscle tissue, thereby relaxing and revitalizing a person. I-Iydrotherapeutic massage is often considered as the bestform of needed massage. In administering this form of massage, a person is partially immersed in water and circulating currents are imposed within the water, thereby gently massaging a. person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Discomfort, pain and afflictions in human muscles, joints, and tissue are conveniently, safely, and inexpensively treated in the privacy of ones own bath, using this hydropneumatic massage equipment which at all times provides stimulation to nerve fibers and circulatory systems of all persons, creating for them a greater sense of well being. The hydropneumatic massage device is simply, quickly and conveniently installed. One of the two conductor hose connector stubs on the air distribution manifold is cut open. Then the pressurized or forced air conductor conduit is connected to it. After this connection, the air distribution manifold is positioned within the bath tub or vessel. The other end of the flexible compressed air conductor hose or conduit is connected to the exhaust outlet of the air compressor unit. After water is in the bath tub or vessel, the electrical connection of the air compressor motor to a conventional AC receptacle is made and the system is ready tooperate. During operation, the flow of air reaching the air distribution manifold is regulated by the adjustment of the'effective size of the exhaust or bypass opening at the air compressor discharge.

Preferably the hydropneumatic massage equipment consists of: an air distribution manifold secured above the bottom by integral suction cups and made in a generally elliptical shape with a central longitudinal branch extending to the center, all portions of which have spaced and angled small orifices, and having two oppositely located, originally sealed hose connector stubs, upstanding on the elliptical portion; a flexible hose or conduit; and an air compressor and filter unit with an electrical motor having a groundable threewire electrical cord, and being mounted upstanding on three legs equipped with suction cups.

DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of the hydropneumatic massage equipment is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hydropneumatic massage equipment in and about a bathtub, with portions broken away for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 2 is a partially crossectioned view, showing a bathtub with the equipment installed;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view with portions broken away to show the air compressor unit, its air filter, its adjustable air flow hose connector; and its three leg suction cup mounting;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the flexible conduit connection to the compressed air distributor; and

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view with a portion broken away, to illustrate the rotative connection of the flexible conduit to the air compressor unit, indicating the size selectability of its pressure relief ports.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The hydropneumatic massage equipment 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1 ready for use in a bathtub 22, however, it may be used in any sized embodiment and in any bathing facility.

Compressed Air Distributor Within bathtub 22, a compressed air distributor 24 is placed near the bottom 26, being slightly raised by rest ing on its own spaced integrally molded suction cups 28, thereby providing secured placement and clearance for circulating water pathways all about it. Further, this elliptical hollow molded compressed air distributor 24 has a central branch 30 of similar hollow shape extending longitudinally to' its center, which upon installation, is often times the center of the flat bathtub bottom 26. The crossectional proportions are substantially constant throughout the entire compressed air distributor 24. As observed in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a hollow flattened crossectional shape isused for its low profile and to obtain a preferred airflow directed to many upwardly inclined orifices 32, located at spaced locations throughout all inside edges of distributor 24. Compressed air enters distributor 24 on either side through upstanding connectors 34, 36. Generally, only one connector 34 is used, as shown in FIG. 1, and the other connector 36 remains molded shut or is capped where a bathtub 22 is mounted next to a wall 38. Preferably both connectors 34, 36, during manufacture, are molded shut and one or the other are cut open when the hydropneumatic massage equipment 20 is installed in a particular bathtub 22. In some bathing facilities where there is adequate clearance both connectors 34, 36 might be utilized. Generally, however, one is sufficient to receive the incoming compressed air. As

completely molded in one operation, compressed air distributor 24, with its integral central branch 30, integral suction cups 28, and integral upstanding paired connectors is manufactured, stored, transported, and installed at reasonably low cost. Flexible Conduit or Hose As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, compressed air is directed to an upstanding connector 34 and 36 of compressed air distributor 24 through a flexible conduit or hose 40. Preferably, it is long and during operations only a sufficient portion of it remains inside the bathtub 22, and the remaining conduit or hose length is utilized outside bathtub 22. Then air compressor unit 42 may be located some distance away from the bathtub 22, substantially more than illustrated, so no electrical energy will ever reach the bathing facility and/or bather. 3 Air Compressor Unit An air compressor unit 42 is arranged for an axial upwardly air flow. Three legs 44, all alike and all equipped with suction cups 46, hold the balance of the assembled air compressor unit 42 above its support which is generally the floor 48. Air enters lower intake chamber 50 and then passes upwardly through filter 52, which is easily cleaned and/or replaced periodically. Thereafter, the air is drawn by a compressor fan 54 which is driven by an electrical motor 56. The compressed air cools motor 56 before it is ejected through an upstanding connector 58 located at the center of discharge chamber 60. Electrical motor 56 is supplied with electrical energy through electrical cord 62 which is adapted to be plugged in to a l volt receptacle, not shown. The entire outer portions of air compressor unit 42 are made of molded plastic eliminating any possibility of an electrical shock being received by touching it. However, as a very excellent precaution, flexible conduit or hose 40 is made long enough to locate air compressor unit 42 at a considerable distance away from the bathtub 22. Also, at its remote location and in its upright position, the operating air compressor unit 42, having its axial upwardly air flow, draws cooler air from the floor level locale at a sufficient distance away so a bather is not affected by any discomforting air drafts. Also, if any bath water should ever be splashed into the vicinity of the air compressor unit 42, the electrical motor 56 is very well protected from the falling water.

Regulator of Compressed Air Flow To Distributor Each user of this hydropneumatic massage equipment has a preference at various times for the amount of flow of the compressed air being ejected from orifices 32 throughout compressed air distributor 24. Therefore, alignable groups 66,68 of orifices are provided, respectively in upstanding connector 58, of discharge chamber portion 60 of the entire plastic outer shell or housing 64 of air compressor unit 42, and in an end connector 70 joining the compressor unit 42 and flexible hose 40. The joint is made as the end connector 70 is snugly and often threadably secured above to the intake end of flexible conduit or hose 40 and is closely and rotatably fitted below about upstanding connector 58 of air compressor unit 42. Group 68 of orifice holes of end connector 70 at this location is then fully aligned, partially aligned, and/or completely misaligned as selective relative rotation is undertaken by a bather to regulate the ejection of bypass compressed air leaving through these orifice groups 66, 68. Such selective ejection of bypass compressed air, controls the quantity of compressed air being actively ejected through angled orifices 32 of compressed air distributor 24, thereby creating the favorable bathing water currents. An end connector 72, similar to end connector 70 but without having any group of orifices, is used in joining flexible conduit or hose 40 to either upstanding connector 34 or 36 on the compressed air distributor 24. Such similarity also lowers production costs which are at all times kept as low as possible without departing from the objective of obtaining the best performing hydropneumatic massage equipment.

We claim:

l. A compressed air distributor for use in hydropneumatic massage equipment, comprising: an elliptical passageway structure having a partial central connected passageway, spaced suction cup mountings to secure it near a bottom of a bathing facility, two oppositely positioned air intakes, and spaced orifices to eject compressed air into the interior of the bathing facility.

2. An air compressor unit for use in hydropneumatic massage equipment, comprising: an upright housing of non conducting material having legs at the bottom each equipped with suction cups and positioned about an intake of the housing which is located just above the suction cups, having a central portion of the housing supporting internally a filter, fan, and electrical motor, and having an exhaust chamber at the top of the housing equipped with a central discharge having bypass orifices adapted to be aligned, partially aligned, and mis aligned with orifices on an end connector of a conduit to receive compressed air in regulated flows.

3. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating efiective currents of water about a bather, comprising:

a. a compressed air distributor having apartial central portion and a surrounding eliptical portion and positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility;

b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility; and

c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit.

4. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating etfective currents of water about a bather, comprising:

a. a compressed air distributor positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility and having oppositely positioned intakes;

b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility; and

c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit.

5. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating effective currents of water about a bather, comprising: 7

a. a compressedair distributor positioned near th bottom of the bathing facility;

b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility, said conduit having end connectors at each end and one connector having a group of orifices; and

c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit. 6. Hydropneumatic massage equipment, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the air compressor has a group of orifices at its discharge which are aligned, partially mis- 50 aligned, and completely misaligned with the group of orifices on the end connector to regulate the ejection of bypass compressed air, thereby controlling the flow of compressed air to the compressed air distributor posi-' tioned near the bottom of the bathing facility. I

7. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating efiective currents of water about a bather, comprising:

a. a compressed air distributor positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility;

b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility; and

c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit, said air compressor unit having legs terminating in suction cups to position it above asupporting structure.

8. Hydropneumatic massage equipment, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the air compressor unit draws air in below at floor level and discharges it directly above into the conduit. 

1. A compressed air distributor for use in hydropneumatic massage equipment, comprising: an elliptical passageway structure having a partial central connected passageway, spaced suction cup mountings to secure it near a bottom of a bathing facility, two oppositely positioned air intakes, and spaced orifices to eject compressed air into the interior of the bathing facility.
 2. An air compressor unit for use in hydropneumatic massage equipment, comprising: an upright housing of non conducting material having legs at the bottom each equipped with suction cups and positioned about an intake of the housing which is located just above the suction cups, having a central portion of the housing supporting internally a filter, fan, and electrical motor, and having an exhaust chamber at the top of the housing equipped with a central discharge having bypass orifices adapted to be aligned, partially aligned, and misaligned with orifices on an end connector of a conduit to receive compressed air in regulated flows.
 3. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating effective currents of water about a bather, comprising: a. a compressed air distributor having a partial central portion and a surrounding eliptical portion and Positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility; b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility; and c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit.
 4. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating effective currents of water about a bather, comprising: a. a compressed air distributor positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility and having oppositely positioned intakes; b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility; and c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit.
 5. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating effective currents of water about a bather, comprising: a. a compressed air distributor positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility; b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility, said conduit having end connectors at each end and one connector having a group of orifices; and c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit.
 6. Hydropneumatic massage equipment, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the air compressor has a group of orifices at its discharge which are aligned, partially misaligned, and completely misaligned with the group of orifices on the end connector to regulate the ejection of bypass compressed air, thereby controlling the flow of compressed air to the compressed air distributor positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility.
 7. Hydropneumatic massage equipment for use with a bathing facility to eject compressed air underwater creating effective currents of water about a bather, comprising: a. a compressed air distributor positioned near the bottom of the bathing facility; b. a conduit to direct compressed air from outside the bathing facility into the compressed air distributor within the bathing facility; and c. an air compressor unit to compress air and discharge it into the conduit, said air compressor unit having legs terminating in suction cups to position it above a supporting structure.
 8. Hydropneumatic massage equipment, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the air compressor unit draws air in below at floor level and discharges it directly above into the conduit. 